Comparing the success rate of external dacryocystorhinostomy with anterior flap versus flap excision in managing chronic dacryocystitis.

Background: Nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) is characterized by epiphora and recurrent episodes of acute dacryocystitis. Despite the temporary effect of antibiotics in the acute phase, it is primarily managed by dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). There is a new modification of external DCR that is performed without either anterior or posterior flaps. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of flapless and single-flap external DCR in adult patients with chronic symptomatic dacryocystitis secondary to NLDO. Methods: In this retrospective, non-randomized, interventional, comparative study of patients with chronic dacryocystitis secondary to primary acquired NLDO, we compared the surgical outcomes and complication rates of flapless external DCR to those of external DCR with only anterior flap suturing. We excluded patients who declined participation and those with soft stops, nasal problems, lid margin abnormalities, lid malposition or laxity, previous lacrimal surgery, lacrimal fistula, trauma involving the lacrimal drainage system, lack of adequate follow-up, or severe septal deviation or turbinate hypertrophy. Anatomical and functional success rates were determined at the last follow-up visit and were compared. Postoperative complications were recorded and compared between groups. Results: We included 53 patients with a male-to-female ratio of 16 (30.2%) to 37 (69.8%); 25 eyes underwent flapless DCR (group 1) and 28 eyes underwent anterior flap suturing DCR (group 2). The two groups had comparable demographic characteristics (all P > 0.05). Furthermore, anatomical (92.0% in group 1 and 92.9% in group 2) and functional (84.0% in group 1 and 92.9% in group 2) success rates at final follow-up were comparable between groups (both P > 0.05). At the one-month postoperative examination, premature tube extrusion was more often reported in group 1 (12.0%) compared to group 2 (7.1%). At the two-month follow-up examination, tube extrusion was noted in 4.0% in group 1 and 0.0% in group 2, yet the difference failed to attain statistical significance (P > 0.05). Conclusions: We found that neither surgical method was superior in terms of anatomical or functional success rate at a maximum of one year after external DCR. Flapless DCR is a simple, effective, and reproducible alternative to the single anterior flap suturing technique for managing NLDO in adults with chronic dacryocystitis. However, further randomized clinical trials with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are recommended before generalization can be justified.

Comparison between intravitreal ranibizumab injection and posterior subtenon triamcinolone acetonide injection at time of cataract surgery for prevention of progression of diabetic macular edema.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this work is to assess progression of diabetic macular edema (DME) following intravitreal ranibizumab injection compared to subtenon triamcinolone acetonide injection at cataract operation. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 73 eyes of 65 participant with DME, with central macular thickness (CMT) ≥ 300 µm. The included eyes were separated into three groups; phacoemulsification with intravitreal Ranibizumab injection group, phacoemulsification with subtenon Triamcinolone acetonide injection group and phacoemulsification only group. Main measures involved best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) one week, one month and three months post-operative. The CMT was compared preoperative and postoperative (one and three months). RESULTS: After 1 month of operation, there was a statistical substantial distinction in the median of CMT between ranibizumab & control group (p < 0.001), between subtenon TA & control group (p < 0.001) and in ranibizumab and subtenon TA group (p = 0.023). After 3 months, the variance between ranibizumab & control group was considerable (p < 0.0001) and the variance between subtenon TA & control group was considerable (p = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS: Combined phacoemulsification with intravitreal injections of ranibizumab or subtenon triamcinolone acetonide may prevent further progression in CMT in individuals with DME following cataract operation.

Bicanalicular Annular Stent Compared with Bicanalicular Nasal Intubation in Management of Traumatic Lower Canalicular Laceration.

PURPOSE: To report the functional and anatomical results of bicanalicular annular stent compared to bicanalicular nasal intubation in the management of traumatic lower canalicular laceration. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective comparative, non-randomized interventional study. The study included consecutive patients suffering from traumatic lower canalicular laceration attended to ophthalmology department causality at Al Azhar University hospital Damietta branch, between December 2018 and August 2020. RESULTS: The study recruited eighty-five eyes of eighty-five patients admitted for treatment of traumatic lower canalicular laceration. In thirty-three patients, canalicular integrity was restored by bicanalicular annular stent (group 1) and in twenty five patients by bicanalicular lacrimal intubation (group 2). The affected patients were predominantly males (78.8% in the first group and 80% in the second group). Etiology of trauma was due to occupational hazards; 48.5% in the first group and 36% in the second group. Anatomical success in the first group was 93.9%, and 92% in the second group. Canalicular patency was achieved in 90.9% in the first group and in 80% in the second group. CONCLUSION: There was no statistically significant difference between bicanalicular annular stent and bicanalicular nasal intubation regarding both anatomical and functional success. Both techniques represent a successful alternative to monocanalicular stent.

Pars plana vitrectomy with/without encircling scleral band for treatment of retinal detachment associated with buphthalmos.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the results of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and silicone oil (SO) tamponade with or without encircling scleral band for repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in children with buphthalmos. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective comparative nonrandomized interventional case series including consecutive patients who underwent PPV with or without encircling band and SO tamponade for RRD associated with buphthalmos. RESULTS: The study included 19 eyes of 19 children. Mean age was 8 years, range 3-16 years. Mean follow-up period was 28 months, range 19-63 months. Globe survival has been achieved in 15 out of 19 eyes (79%). Phthisis bulbi was reported in four cases (22%). Eight patients (42%) achieved ambulatory vision. Most eyes initially achieved anatomical success. CONCLUSION: Despite the poor visual and anatomical results of RRD repair in eyes with buphthalmos, globe survival might be the rationale for surgery in such cases. Globe preservation could avoid the psychological and social consequences of phthisis bulbi in non-operated children.

Long-Term Outcome of Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Retained Posterior Segment Intraocular Foreign Body Secondary to Gunshot Injury.

PURPOSE: To report the long-term outcome of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for management of retained posterior segment intraocular foreign body (IOFB) secondary to gunshot injury. METHODS: This is a retrospective interventional case series including consecutive patients who had PPV for retained posterior segment IOFB secondary to gunshot injury. Main outcome measures were final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), long-term globe survival and detection of complications. Spearman correlation analyzed relationships between numerical data. Kruskal-Wallis test compared differences in initial BCVA and final BCVA across variables. Categorical variables were tested using Chi square or Fisher's exact test. P value is significant at 0.05. RESULTS: The study included 103 eyes of 103 patients. Mean baseline BCVA was 0.01 decimal unit (2 logMAR). Mean duration from primary repair to PPV was 3 weeks. Mean duration of post-operative follow-up was 60 months. Mean final BCVA was 0.04 decimal unit (1.3 logMAR), p 0.001. Post-operatively, BCVA improved in 58.2% of patients. Nineteen patients (18%) gained ≥2 lines of vision, and 15 patients (14.5%) achieved final BCVA of 0.4 decimal unit (logMAR 0.4). All complications were related to the original injury. These included macular scar (19%), macular pucker (6%), recurrent retinal detachment (4%), subretinal fibrosis (3%), consecutive optic atrophy (3%), and PVR (3%). Phthisis bulbi or sympathetic ophthalmia did not develop in any case. CONCLUSION: PPV for removal of IOFB caused by gunshot injury yielded long-term favorable functional outcome with excellent globe survival. Poor initial BCVA, location of IOFB in the posterior pole, associated lens injury and retinal detachment are significant adverse prognostic factors for final BCVA but not for globe survival.

Risk Factors for Recurrent Myopic Macular Hole Retinal Detachment after Silicone Oil Removal in Patients with Open Flat Macular Hole.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risks that might be associated with recurrent macular hole retinal detachment (MHRD) after silicone oil (S.O) removal in myopic patients with open flat macular hole (MH). METHODS: In this retrospective series, we assessed the different factors that might be associated with recurrent MHRD after S.O removal in 48 eyes with open flat MH that underwent S.O removal after successful MHRD repair. We divided the enrolled eyes into 2 groups: group 1 included 38 eyes with flat open MH and flat retina after S.O removal, and group 2 included 10 eyes with flat open MH and recurrent MHRD after S.O removal. RESULTS: Ten of 48 eyes (20.8%) with open flat MH developed recurrent MHRD after S.O removal. Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that MH at the apex of PS, MH minimum diameter, hole form factor (HFF), and MH index (MHI) were significant risk factors for recurrent MHRD after S.O removal in myopic patients with open flat MH. CONCLUSIONS: If there is a "flat open" MH that is large, located at the apex of PS, or with an HHF or MHI <0.9-0.5, there is a high chance of recurrent MHRD after S.O removal.

Comparison Between Pars Plana Vitrectomy with and without Encircling Band in the Treatment of Pediatric Traumatic Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To compare anatomical and visual results of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with or without additional encircling band in the management of pediatric traumatic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD) in a tertiary referral center. METHODS: A retrospective review of children diagnosed with traumatic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment treated by pars plana vitrectomy with or without encircling band. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-nine eyes of 139 children diagnosed with traumatic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Surgeries were performed between May 2011 and November 2016. Patients were followed up for at least 18 months after last intervention. The included eyes were categorized into two groups. Group A (vitrectomy with additional encircling band) included 72 eyes of 72 children; 58 boys and 14 girls. Group B (vitrectomy without encircling band) included 67 eyes of 67 children; 58 boys and 9 girls. In group A, the mean age was 9.21±3.24. Attached retina was achieved in 61% (44 out of 72 eyes), of which 34 eyes remained attached after silicon oil removal, and 10 eyes remained attached under silicon oil tamponade. Recurrent RD under oil was present in 28 eyes (38.9%). In group B, the mean age was 11.06±3.64. Attached retina was present in 61.2% (41 out of 67 eyes), of which 30 eyes remained attached after oil removal, and 11 eyes remained attached under silicon oil tamponade. Recurrent RD was present in 26 eyes (38.8%). In group A, the final visual acuity (VA) ranged from NLP to 0.5; 58.7% of patients achieved VA more than counting fingers at 1 meter, and 34.6% of patients achieved VA of 0.05 or more. In group B, the final postoperative VA ranged from NLP to 0.9; 16% of patients achieved VA from counting fingers at 1 meter to 0.05, and 29.2% achieved VA of 0.05 or more. CONCLUSION: Although no statistically significant difference between the two groups (combined vitrectomy and encircling band versus vitrectomy alone in pediatric traumatic retinal detachment), it is wise to consider adding encircling band in severe trauma cases.

Submacular perfluorocarbon liquid: long-term follow-up.

PURPOSE: To report the long-term follow-up of patients with inadvertent retained submacular perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) bubbles after vitrectomy surgery. BACKGROUND: PFCL has unique chemical and physical features which facilitate displacement of subretinal fluid from central toward periphery allowing intraoperative reattachment of the mobile retina and manipulation of the anterior part of the detached retina without performing drainage retinotomy. Despite these advantages, PFCL droplets may be inadvertently retained in the submacular space. METHODS: A retrospective case series study was conducted. We reviewed 1224 consecutive patients who had undergone primary pars plana vitrectomy at one vitreoretinal center operated by single surgeon (Hammouda Ghoraba). Chart review was performed to identify patients and procedural factors that could predispose to retained submacular PFCL with anatomical and functional outcomes with follow-up at least 18 months. RESULTS: The retina was completely attached in 97% of eyes where PFCL was used after one or two vitrectomy surgeries. Submacular PFCL was found in 12 (0.98%) eyes. There was no statistical difference between perfluorodecalin and perfluoro-n-octane as regards retention rate. The possible risk factors associated with submacular retention of PFCL phenomenon are the presence of post-equatorial retinal breaks in six patients (50%) and large retinal break (2-3 clock hours) in three patients (25%). CONCLUSIONS: Submacular PFC migration occurs in nearly 1% of cases when it is used. It occurred in cases of RRD with post-equatorial or large breaks. Using perfluoro-n-octane or perfluorodecalin had no statistical difference. Different behaviors of submacular PFC droplets occurred. Some cases of small submacular PFC droplets maintained fair VA for a long period.

Optical Coherence Tomography Morphological Features Following Modified Internal Limiting Membrane Surgical Technique In Traumatic Macular Holes.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings in terms of macular hole closure and ellipsoid zone (EZ) recovery following modified internal limiting membrane (ILM) surgical technique in traumatic macular holes (TMH). METHODS: The study was a retrospective case series that recruited 16 consecutive patients with TMH. Following vitrectomy (PPV), we performed modified ILM surgical technique (IFT) in which ILM peel was stopped at the edges of the hole forming a floating ILM flap. Primary outcome measures were pattern of TMH closure and recovery of EZ. Student's T-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The study had 16 eyes of 16 patients. Mean baseline minimum linear diameter (MLD) was 562µ. Mean baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 1.4 logMAR. U-pattern closure occurred in 50% of eyes, V-pattern closure occurred in 31.2% of eyes, whereas W-pattern closure occurred in 18.7% of eyes. Mean BCVA improvement was 5 lines (p 0.02). Failure of recovery of EZ was detected in 75% of eyes. In the present series, neither pre-operative MLD nor time lapse prior to surgery were significant factors in determining the closure pattern of TMH, the grade of EZ recovery or final BCVA. CONCLUSION: Modified IFT is effective in promoting macular hole closure and improving visual acuity in patients with TMH. The technique does not promote recovery of EZ.

Aqueous misdirection following pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil injection.

PURPOSE: To report a retrospective series of seven phakic eyes of seven patients suffering from a malignant glaucoma-like syndrome following pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil (SO) injection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven eyes with retinal detachment treated with pars plana vitrectomy with or without scleral buckling with SO tamponade. This was followed by cataract extraction to manage the elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). RESULTS: This was a retrospective review of seven cases that received pars plana vitrectomy and SO with or without scleral buckling for different causes of retinal detachment (three were rhegmatogenous and four were tractional). After a period ranging from 1 week to 1 month, they presented with malignant glaucoma-like manifestations; high IOP, shallow axial anterior chamber, and remarkable decrease of visual acuity. Atropine eye drops and anti-glaucoma medical treatment (topical and systemic) had been tried but failed to improve the condition. Dramatic decrease of IOP and deepening of the axial anterior chamber was observed in all cases in the first postoperative day after phacoemulsification and posterior chamber foldable intraocular lens implantation with posterior capsulotomy. CONCLUSION: Aqueous misdirection syndrome may be observed following pars plana vitrectomy and SO tamponade. This must be differentiated from other causes of post vitrectomy glaucoma. Cataract extraction with posterior capsulotomy controls the condition.